Dehradun – Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami virtually inaugurated three new air services from the CM residence on Thursday. These include helicopter services from Sahastradhara (Dehradun) to Joshiyara (Uttarkashi) and Gauchar (Chamoli), as well as a Delhi-Pithoragarh air service. The CM stated that these air services will become crucial for Uttarakhand’s development, adding that 18 heliports are being constructed across the state under the UDAN scheme to further enhance air connectivity.
The helicopter services from Sahastradhara to Joshiyara and Gauchar mark a significant achievement for Uttarakhand. The travel time between Dehradun and Joshiyara is now reduced to 40 minutes, while the journey to Gauchar takes only 50 minutes. CM Dhami highlighted that these developments represent a milestone for the progress of Uttarakhand’s hilly regions.
The CM emphasized that under the visionary UDAN scheme, launched by PM Modi, affordable air travel has become accessible to the common person. In Uttarakhand, 18 heliports are currently being developed, with services already operational in areas like Srinagar, Haldwani, Munsiyari, Pithoragarh, Pantnagar, Champawat, and Almora. Further expansion is planned to connect more key areas with air services in the near future.
CM Dhami noted that while traversing remote mountainous routes used to take hours, these air services now allow people to reach distant areas within an hour. The services are expected to boost tourism, enhance local businesses, and create new job opportunities in homestays and hospitality, especially for the youth. The state government is focusing on promoting domestic flights to improve connectivity to remote regions.
Helicopter Services and Timings
- Sahastradhara-Gauchar Helicopter Service: The helicopter will depart from Sahastradhara at 9:30 AM and return from Gauchar at 10:40 AM. Operated by Pawan Hans, this service will be available six days a week, from Monday to Saturday. The fare is set at ₹3,000 per person until November 20, after which it will be ₹3,600 per person.
- Sahastradhara-Joshiyara Helicopter Service: Departing from Sahastradhara at 12:00 PM, the helicopter will return from Joshiyara at 1:00 PM. This service, also by Pawan Hans, will run from Monday to Saturday. The fare is ₹3,000 per person until November 20, after which it will increase to ₹3,300 per person. Bookings can be made at https://booking.pawanhans.co.in.
Delhi-Naini Saini (Pithoragarh) Air Service
Operated by Alliance Air, this service will connect Delhi to Pithoragarh three days a week – Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The travel time from Delhi to Pithoragarh is approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes. The flight will depart from Delhi at 9:20 AM and return from Pithoragarh at 11:15 AM. The fare is set at ₹2,499 per person until November 14, after which it will increase to ₹6,999 from Delhi to Pithoragarh and ₹7,447 from Pithoragarh to Delhi. Bookings can be made at https://allianceair.in.
